HANOVER, N.H. - Harvard women's rugby won its second consecutive NIRA DI Championship with a 19-12 victory over Dartmouth. In a back and forth effort, the Crimson came out victorious.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The match started with both teams battling for possession, but neither could score in the first twenty minutes. Each side created multiple turnovers, keeping the game close.

At the 23-minute mark, Tiahna Padilla set up Chloe Headland for a try near the try zone. Headland converted the kick, putting Harvard ahead 7-0.

Just seven minutes later, PK Vincze powered through a Dartmouth defender for another try, extending the lead to 12-0.

As the first half drew to a close, Dartmouth scored a try, bringing the score to 12-5 at halftime.

Dartmouth carried that momentum into the second half, quickly tying the game at 12-12 with another try.

However, in the 64th minute, Harvard regained the lead when Carly Lehman scored after a well-executed maul. The Crimson's defense held strong in the final minutes, preventing any further scoring from Dartmouth.

In the end, Harvard secured the championship with a 19-12 win. 
 

Harvard Highlights

This marks the third time the program has won the NIRA championship in its history (2019, 2023, and 2024).

The Crimson finished the season with a record of 7-1-1, marking a successful campaign under Mel Denham, who claimed her third championship in eight years.

Tiahna Padilla was named the 2024 NIRA Championship Most Valuable Player. 

Lennox London finishes the season as the program leader in single season tries with 17.

This marks the third time an away team has won the NIRA title in the leagues's history.
 

Up Next

The 2024 NIRA Division I Champion Harvard women's rugby team will return to the pitch in the spring semester for 7s action.